Hello Mumbai City Desk
MUMBAI — The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs has detained and subsequently arrested a South Mumbai-based couple at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) for allegedly attempting to smuggle crude gold jewellery and high-end luxury watches collectively valued at over ₹1.06 crore.
The accused have been identified as Athar Mohammed Ishaq Shaikh (43), a prominent car dealer operating out of South Mumbai’s affluent Agripada neighborhood, and his wife, Farrah Athar Shaikh (39), a homemaker.
Intercepted on a Reliable Tip-Off
According to senior Customs officials, the operation was executed based on a specific and highly reliable tip-off. Acting on the intelligence, AIU officers maintained a close watch on the couple’s movements as they disembarked from a flight arriving from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The duo was intercepted after crossing the green channel. Following a personal search conducted in the presence of a gazetted officer, authorities recovered:
Three 24-karat rhodium-plated crude gold kadas (bangles)
One rhodium-plated gold chain
Total Gold Weight: 483 grams (valued at approximately ₹66.39 lakh by a government-approved valuer)
Additionally, a search of their personal baggage, including trolley bags and purses, led to the discovery of three “old and used” luxury timepieces. A certified valuer assessed the watches—which included an Audemars Piguet, a gold Rolex, and a steel-gold Rolex—at a combined valuation of ₹40 lakh.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
The couple underwent voluntary X-ray body scans to check for internally concealed contraband, which returned negative results. Customs officials stated that in their recorded voluntary statements, the accused admitted to the possession, carriage, and smuggling of the items.
The AIU has booked the couple under Sections 104 and 135 of the Customs Act, 1962. They were subsequently produced before a local court.
While the defense counsel argued that his clients were merely wearing personal gold jewellery and that the pre-owned watches were given an inflated, exorbitant valuation by authorities, the court noted that the offences are cognizable and non-bailable.
Customs department representatives informed the court that the investigation is in its preliminary stages. Custodial interrogation remains essential to uncover the broader financial trail and determine whether the couple is linked to a larger international smuggling syndicate. The agency is currently analyzing the couple’s past travel histories and vetting any potential prior criminal records. Further investigation is underway.
